The housing market remained on a positive path for Florida in August, with a higher number of closed sales, higher number of pending sales, increased number of new listings and increasing median prices, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 25,235 for August, representing an increase of 0.9 percent compared to August 2016.

“Housing market trends we have been seeing for months in Florida continued in August,” says 2017 Florida Realtors President Maria Wells. “More owners are deciding to enter the market and list their homes for sale, while demand from buyers continues to grow, especially for homes in the $250,000-and-under range. Homes are continuing to sell quickly, though tight inventory is putting pressure on rising median prices and creating affordability challenges for many first-time buyers,” added Wells.

“Any consumer who is looking to buy or sell a home in Florida should consult a local Realtor, who can help them understand local market conditions and be prepared to act when the right home or offer comes along.”

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes for August was $240,000, up 6.7 percent from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. The statewide median price for townhouse-condo properties in August was $170,000, up 6.3 percent over the year-ago figure. August marked the 69th consecutive month that statewide median prices for both sectors rose year-over-year. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in July 2017 was $260,600, up 6.3 percent from the previous year; the national median existing condo price was $239,800. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in July was $549,460; in Massachusetts, it was $400,000; in Maryland, it was $296,665; and in New York, it was $270,000.

According to a recent analysis by Zillow, home sellers spend an average of $15,190 on expenses that are common when placing a home on the market, but often overlooked. Some of those expenses include closing costs and home improvements.

An excess of 80 percent of sellers spend on home improvements prior to listing their homes, with the most popular home improvements including new carpeting, cleaning services, painting and related supplies, lawn care and staging, coming to an average of $2,658. Sellers also typically spend on closing costs, commissions to real estate professionals, and sales or transfer taxes, coming to an average of $12,532. Keep in mind that closing costs vary substantially based on location.

“One of the biggest regrets sellers have is not starting the process early enough,” says Jeremy Wacksman, Chief Marketing Officer at Zillow Group. “For those planning to sell this year, take your time to research all the costs you could be responsible for and how they may affect your profit, or even budget for your next home. Partner with a great agent who can help you understand the nuances in your market – from what taxes of closing costs you should expect, to which home renovation projects can help attract the buyer.”

“Sellers need to consider these additional, often necessary costs when planning to put their home on the market,” says Lucas Puente, Economist at Thumbtack, which also conducted the analysis. “While it’s clear these costs vary widely, often times the easiest way to ensure a home is fully prepared to be sold is to hire local, skilled professionals to help with basic home improvements.”

Enlisting the help of professionals may be an option a seller thinks is unnecessary, but the truth is that hiring someone who has experience may save the home seller time and money, as well as ensure the projects are completed properly and efficiently.

Magnificent first floor end unit with 2,845 square feet of open living space featuring three bedroom + den, three and half bath, and a two car garage, located just steps from the community pool and clubhouse.

No detail has been spared in this luxury home, which offers living like a single-family home, with high ceilings and many unique architectural features. Everything about this tastefully designed residence signals quality, with high tray ceilings, recessed lighting, solid doors, high impact resistance windows, custom window treatments, electric and manual storm shutters, tile on diagonal, hardwood-floors & much more.

The grand entry way leads to a gourmet kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, custom wood cabinetry opening to a grand living- room with a wall of sliders that disappear into the recessed wall bringing the outside in. The spacious master bedroom offers walk-in closets, and the master bath features marble counters and a jacuzzi tub. Two other guest suites each offer their own bathroom.